Mynydd Isa: Uncertainty over future of post office

Mynydd Isa post office was temporarily closed after the Spar on Mercia Drive closed however it will now not re-open on the same site

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The future of a village post office described as ‘vital’ to the community is in jeopardy as plans to re-open it have been thrown into doubt.

Mynydd Isa post office, which was housed in the Spar shop on Mercia Drive, was forced to close on June 3 when the convenience store closed.

The Post Office had announced that the branch would re-open on Monday, June 9, with a temporary subpostmaster on the same site, however yesterday the Chronicle were told that talks between the landowner and Post Office had broken down and the branch would not re-open.

While the Post Office have pledged to keep the service in the village they are unsure if they can find a new location for the branch.

A Post Office spokesman, said: “We would like to apologise to customers for any inconvenience caused due to the temporary closure of the branch. We had hoped to reopen a temporary service on the current site, but sadly this is now unable to go ahead.

“Post Office officials are now speaking to other potential partners in the community with a view to finding a new location for the service.

“Any move to a new location would be subject to public consultation with customers and other interested parties.

“We would like to reassure customers that we remain committed to maintaining post office services in Mynydd Isa and that the local post office field team are working hard to find a way to reopen the service as soon as possible.”

County councillor for Argoed Hilary McGuill says the residents have been ‘let down’ by the Post Office and that she is devastated by the news.

She said: “The Post Office say they are committed to keeping the service in Mynydd Isa but realistically it is going to take months to find an alternative – if they even can – so we are going to be without.

“I am terribly disappointed and I feel that we have been badly let down. Personally I am absolutely devastated as I thought things were going well.”

Delyn MP David Hanson has called upon the Post Office to resolve the matter urgently, saying ‘it is simply not good enough’.

He said: “I am extremely concerned over this latest twist in the saga of Mynydd Isa post office – the Post Office in Wales have to urgently seek a solution to ensure that my constituents get back the service they have been promised – it is simply not good enough. I have been in touch with the Post Office last night (Monday) and I'm seeking answers to when the service will be replaced.”

Delyn AM Sandy Mewies said: “The post office is a valued facility in the community and it is important that the loss of this service is only temporary .: ”The delay is disappointing but the Post Office say every effort is being made to ensure the post office will be re opened as quickly as possible.”

Customers can access services at any Post Office branch, the closest being Buckley post office on Brunswick Road and Mold post office on Earl Road.